Amolecule that can be used as a molecular clock has a neutral mutation rate of one mutation per 20 million years. how many years ago did two species share a common ancestor if the molecules found in these two species differ by a total of six mutations?

chordata is the answer

9.9 years

a = p(1 + rt) . . account balance after time t at rate r starting with principal p

3000 = 2500(1 + 0.0202t) . . filling in the given numbers

1.2 = 1 + 0.0202t . . divide by 2500

0.2 = 0.0202t . . . subtract 1

0.2/0.0202 = t ≈ 9.901

it will take about 9.9 years for the account balance to reach $3000.